The Austin Police department uses the National Police Selection Test (NPST) by FPSI (Fire & Police Selection, Inc.) for their entry-level testing.

The test is used to measure candidates’ ability to effectively work with the public and other members of their department in addition to reading comprehension, writing ability, mathematical reasoning, and reasoning/analyzing skills. 

The FPSI NPST Police test includes 120 questions.

Applicants need to pass the following test topics:

BASIC MATH - add, subtract, multiple and divide.

READING COMPREHENSION

Multiple choice reading test with a twist. Your agency will send you a twenty (20) page “Reading Comprehension Manual” that you need to study (and remember) one to two weeks prior to your exam.

REASONING AND ANALYSIS

Judgement, Problem Solving & Data Interpretation.

WRITING ABILITY

You will be tested on your grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing clarity.

HUMAN RELATIONS/SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT

This section contains questions designed to measure your ability to work under stressful conditions, integrity, ethics, decision-making, self-control, the ability to maintain confidentiality, interpersonal skills, teamwork, ability to follow rules, demonstrating respect for others.